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Garnatxa

Red wine

Young wine

2017

Garnacha is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. It ripens late, so it needs hot, dry conditions such as those found in Spain, where the grape probably originated. Wines made from Grenache are lighter in acid, tannin and colour. It is generally spicy, berryflavoured and soft on the palate with a relatively high alcohol content. Garnacha is the grape responsible of producing some of the most expensive wines of Chateneuf du Pape or Priorat. But lately we have seen it on the market offering beautiful young and fresh wines, like the one we have produced at Segura Viudas. Garnacha has perfect conditions to grow in South of Catalunya, in Terra Alta, where the grapes of Viña Heredad come from.

To understand the 2017 vintage, it is important to remember that 2016 was a year of severe drought. The grapes of one year form from the buds of stems of the previous year. The limited rain in 2016 created a situation, from the very beginning, where there would be few grapes for the 2017 vintage. The 2017 vintage year began with a mild winter. From January to April there was a historically normal amount of rain, although in April there was less rain than expected and May was especially dry. During June and July there were continual heat-waves and average temperatures were significantly higher than normal. All these anomalies would have noticeable affects on a localised level come harvest time. The plants’ low productivity, coupled with the heat-waves at the beginning of summer accelerated the vegetative cycle, and as a result the harvest was earlier than usual for all grape varieties. The first monitoring controls of the grapes revealed that the concentration of sugars was higher than anything previously recorded, and as a result we decided to start harvesting 10 days earlier than in 2016.

Cold soak during 24 hours: The main advantage to cold-soaking the grapes are to extract colour and flavour, in an aqueous environment, without extracting tannin. Fermentation at 20ºC to maintain all the aromas. Maceration for 30 days to enhance the body and structure. Ageing in oak casks for 2 months just to allow the lees to contribute an elegant oak flavour but letting the varietal aromas of the grape express.

Red, of medium intensity, with purple notes of youth. Intense aromas of red and black fruits – ripe cherry and blackberry, along with some violet floral notes over a backdrop of pepper and cinnamon spices. The palate starts softly and tastily, with good acidity delivering a refreshing feel. Good length, and with a back palate again of ripe red fruits – cherry and pomegranate, and a light touch of liquorice.

Our Garnacha is a magnificent expression of fine, ripe, Mediterranean black skinned fruit, and of liquorice. An expression of warmth and of friendship. It is a wonderfully versatile wine, understanda- bly at home with grilled red meats, with eastern or western takes on chicken, with Iberian which it matches with its toothsome flavours. With stews, light in summer, rich in winter, but also perfectly at home with blue fish, tuna fillet, salt cod, meat pastas, roast kid and suckling lamb – the list is endless!